Source
74 O.S., Section 85.5D states "The State Purchasing Director shall provide training for state agency purchasing officials and other purchasing staff. The training shall include principles of state procurement practices, basic contracting, provisions of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, rule promulgated pursuant to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, provisions of Section 3001 et seq. of this title, which relate to the State Use Committee, and any other matters related to state procurement practices. State agency purchasing officials that demonstrate proficiency shall be certified as "certified procurement officers" by the State Purchasing Director and shall be authorized to make acquisitions pursuant to provisions of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and rules authorized by this section."

RequirementsIn accordance with the statutes, a Certified Procurement Officer (CPO) must complete formal training provided by Central Purchasing and demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing a requisite examination. The examinations are jointly developed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Central Purchasing Division, and administered by OPM. Upon achieving this certification, CPO's are eligible to procure products/services for their agency.

Certification Course InformationCentral Purchasing conducts a CPO training course in the spring and in the fall. Individual attendee cost is $500, which covers the course materials & incidentals relative to training, 5 online modules required prior to the live class, testing and subsequent certification. (The cost of the course is subject to change.) If you are interested in becoming certified, notify vicki.spivey@omes.ok.gov to be put on the waiting list.